3 Keys to Building Powerful, Effective Reading Programs

Closing skill gaps after the challenges created by COVID-19 will require highly targeted, effective, and time-saving strategies modeled by school and district leadership. Educational author/researcher and international literacy expert Dr. Joseph Torgesen recently sat down with Istation for an interactive webinar, “Powerful Practices to Get Students On Track” to share insights on how to create effective reading programs with winning student outcomes. 

Check out 3 key actions educational leaders can take now (excerpted from Torgesen’s guide, “Teaching All Students to Read in Elementary School,” and watch the webinar for a deep dive into best practices for improving the quality of literacy instruction.

Action Points:

1. Ensure teachers have excellent, ongoing professional development. Strong professional development is more than a single-session workshop or a sit-and-get session. Personalized professional development can benefit both teachers and principals and ultimately lead to better learning experiences for students. Customization is key! Read more about how to choose the best professional development solution for your teachers.
2. Ensure teachers have adequate materials to deliver high-quality instruction. Classroom teachers need a variety of materials to teach reading such as interesting books on different reading levels, supplemental materials and technology, as well as comprehensive reading programs. Learn more about Istation’s teacher resources.
3. Monitor classroom instruction with principal walk-throughs. Successful principals, along with assistant principals and other school leaders, will visit their classrooms regularly. They can prepare teachers by letting them know what they expect to see during their walk-throughs and consistently stopping by.

“I learn about the level of instruction that a teacher is delivering, and I learn whether my teachers are changing and transitioning to centers. I learn what is actually going on in the classroom, and the teachers are now asking me for feedback,” said a successful principal of their use of classroom walk-throughs.

These three key actions discussed today are included in Dr. Torgesen’s guide, “Teaching All Students to Read in Elementary School.” This guide can help a principal identify the most critical changes for improving the overall quality of reading instruction at their school. It describes the types of instruction and leadership activities necessary to help all children become proficient readers in elementary schools.

We were thrilled to host Dr. Torgesen along with Istation COO and President, Ossa Fisher, during our webinar “Powerful Practices to Get Students Back on Track.” Tune in to hear about the importance of administering accurate, continuous assessments, whether from home or school. Reliable data is the bridge to support educators and offer insight for differentiating instruction. Catch the discussion for the first time or watch it again here!